2020: There's no looking back
We are entering into a new era. The rise of technology, the increasing urgency of environmental matters, the growth of spiritual awakening and the response of outdated and divisive politics all create a very interesting time to be alive.
Interesting - and stressful. No longer can we rely on old ideas of ‘security’. We are more distrustful of politicians, we are skeptical of media and many of us long for another way.
Astrology offers us another way of looking, a new perspective on the changes we see around us, and how these changes both influence and connect our personal lives to the world around us. Depending on your own natal chart, the movements of planets will affect us all differently. But one thing is for sure is that we are moving ever closer to a time when old structures and traditions are beginning to crumble and be reborn. Even yoga is not immune to this, with its own scandals of abuse of power (you can can read more in this Matthew Remski article here).
Whilst this can seem depressing and demotivating, we must remember that we are part of a big shift in human consciousness, a time where we feel, think and act differently. The food our grandparents ate, the jobs they did, the way they lived may be very different to how we live now, and the generations being born at this time are entering into yet another new world.
Yoga offers a light in this time of darkness, but like anything else, it is affected by society and culture, and even the human ego. Whilst it is so tempting to look outside of ourselves for guidance, reassurance and direction, this can lead to comparison and judgement, and we may inadvertently place others on a pedestal where they can only topple off. Whilst we most certainly can benefit from the teachings of others, without being anchored in our bodies, without understanding our own triggers and traumas, and without the awareness that we too carry divine light within us, we are vulnerable to corruption and misdirection.
2020 will bring its challenges. Progress will be slow, stunted and perhaps non-existence at times. We will have to look harder for wisdom, we will have to garner our patience and watch out for our old patterns coming back into play. Community will matter, connection will be essential.
Whatever your intentions for this coming year may be, allow yourself time to rest and reflect. The best lessons in life don’t come easy. Practices of gratitude, meditation and yoga are daily practices - and difficult ones at them. We are all in this together, and as Raymond Williams once said, “it is far more radical to make hope convincing than despair inevitable.”
Find ways to bring hope into your heart. Dance, sing, share food, practice yoga and yoga nidra, meditate, journal, chant - whatever feeds your soul. Don’t fall into the belief that you are alone. We all have fear, self-doubt and worry, but we also have opportunity to access love, joy and peace.
2020 is the year for placing the foundation on the life you want to grow, on the world you wish to see.
I wish you all the the very best.